Charlie The Treaty of Waitangi

The Treaty of Waitangi

We are learning to: Identify and interpret key facts and information about the Treaty of Waitangi

Learn about the Treaty of Waitangi so that you can make an explainer video!

What is a treaty?

A Treaty is a agreement between different groups of people or states.

The treaty of Waitangi is a famous treaty signed by the New Zealand Maori chiefs and the British Government. It is a really important document that New Zealand still use today.

Why did New Zealand need a treaty?

The Maori wanted to sign a treaty because the whalers and the traders  were disrespectful. In New Zealand there wasn’t a law had to follow like there was in England. This meant that the Maori chiefs had no authority over the European visitors. Another reason for the creation of the treaty was the British wanted more control, or sovereignty over New Zealand.

When was the treaty signed?

The treaty of Waitangi was signed on the 6th of February 1840 between the British Government and the Maori Chiefs.

Who signed the treaty?

The British Government and the Maori Chiefs  from all over New Zealand came to sign a law stopping the whales and the traders from getting drunk and beating up each other.